Everyone knows there’s a fortune to be made in football memorabilia, but the real treasure? The stories behind it all.
Football memorabilia belonging to Stoke City Football Club player Harry Sellars, who played between 1923 and 1935, has been consigned to Potteries Auctions by his grandchildren, Victoria Cole-Porter and Mark Porter. They hope these cherished items will find a home with passionate fans of the club.
These memoirs are made even dearer given that Harry was not the only Sellars to play for Stoke F.C., his son John Sellars also played for the club (1944-1958), making them the only recorded father and son duo to play for the club in it’s whole history.
Harry Sellars’ collection of Stoke City-related football memorabilia coming to auction 7th -9th November 2024
Echoes of the Sellars Football Dynasty
Victoria and Mark’s memories of their uncle and grandfather are sparse, as they have lived in London all their lives. However, Victoria fondly recalls a sweet mix-up her grandfather made on her wedding day in 1972.
“When the coffee was served, they brought out sugar lumps. Granddad accidentally stirred in mint creams, mistaking them for sugar. His face was priceless—the whole table was in fits of laughter.”
She also remembers how her grandfather, who worked for Mother’s Pride bakery on Newcastle Road after leaving Stoke City, would return home smelling of freshly baked bread and bring macaroons as a treat.
Sellars with the Stoke City football team (sat directly behind the cup), 1927. Pictured with the Second Division cup
“He was a lovely, gentle soul. It’s a shame we didn’t get to spend more time with him as we got older,” Victoria reflects.
Harry’s daughter, Mary, was a dancer with the North Staffordshire dancers. Tragically, she was killed in Mexico at the age of just 25. The loss of his daughter was a burden too heavy for Harry, and he passed away on December 30, 1978, after being hospitalised.
The pairs’ memories of their uncle John are even fewer. After his stint at Stoke City, he moved to Portishead near Bristol and rarely visited. In the 1980s, Victoria briefly worked at his shoe shop before moving back to London, with Mark playing the odd game of golf with his uncle.
John had planned to retire to Spain, but before he could make the move, he passed away on June 24, 1985.
“The memories that always come to mind about Uncle John? He was constantly practicing golf swings at home, always with a pipe in his mouth. And he’d fill the dishwasher with everything from the cupboards before turning it on!”
Items Consigned to Auction
The collection consigned to Potteries Auctions includes several commemorative pottery pieces awarded to Stoke City team for winning football matches, crafted by Wedgwood and Booths.
Commemorative pottery from Wedgwood and Booths awarded to Stoke City players. The pin dish awarded by Booths contains a printed portrait of Sellars
There is also a collection of ephemera, including photographs of Sellars and his team from the 1920s to the 1930s. Notably, one photo features Sellars with the renowned Stanley Matthews.
A photo of Harry Sellars on a golf outing (sixth from right) with the Stoke City team and Stanley Matthews (fifth from left)
In addition to this, the collection contains newspaper clippings and matchday programmes, rounding out a fascinating trove of football history.
These items will feature in Potteries Auctions’ Rare Ceramics, Jewellery & Collectables auction running from November 7th – 9th 2024.
See all upcoming auctions hereLooking to sell a similar football memorabilia collection, or similar?
Our friendly team can help you enter your items in to auction. Potteries Auctions holds free valuation days every Tuesday at our saleroom in Silverdale. To book an appointment to attend, use our online booking form here.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, or call us on 01782 638100. Your items can even be valued via WhatsApp: simply send some clear pictures via the app to 07864 667940.